RETROGRADE PLANETS

Mercury enters its Storm roughly one week prior to stationing retrograde. 

Mercury Storm

Mercury is the fastest planet in our solar system ( the Moon is a luminary ). Its orbit is ecliptic; therefore, it's speed around the Sun isn't constant. When it begins to slow down to less than 40 minutes of arc per day, it's entering a "storm" in preparation of its upcoming retrograde. 

All retrogrades are optical illusions from our perspective on Earth. Mercury stations retrograde 3-4 times annually by appearing to move in a backward orbit. This phenomenon occurs because Mercury's orbit "laps" the Earth. It can be compared to passing anything on the road. The object that you pass, another car or bicyclist, for example, can appear to be moving backward even though it's still moving forward.

Yet, astrological research during this optical mirage throughout time has been associated with whatever resides under the realm of Mercury's umbrella: breakdowns or failures in communication, business technological glitches, and travel disruptions. 

The affects of a retrograde can vary depending on the sign it's occurring in. For example, Mercury retrograde in Gemini may prove particularly challenging in communication because Gemini represents intellect and logic. It's advisable to obtain both sides of the story and any additional information prior to making decisions or judgement calls that could muddy rather than resolve discord.

Whereas a retrograde in Cancer might indicate legalities or repairs involving our home or property, since Cancer represents our domestic realms and family. It is a great time for repairs or renovations and to check in with our intuition and body regarding choices and decisions. 

The storm preceding a retrograde is a signal to prepare, just as we'd prepare for any tangible storm on the horizon. We would most likely carry in or secure anything that could be blown away by heavy winds. 

Plan your budget according to the following 'Do's' below so that you can have necessary services during the retrograde period. Also double-check any current engagements you have scheduled that may involve some of the 'Don'ts' below. An example would be an agreement meeting regarding the execution of a contract. 

Now is the time to prepare so that you're ready when the time comes. 

Some Do's and Don'ts during Mercury Retrograde in any sign: 

DO
• Carefully review all contracts and legal documents.
• Listen earnestly to what others say and pause before speaking.
• Double-check all correspondence before mailing and insure/track them.
• Renew commitments instead of beginning new ones.
• Service your automobile and prepare an emergency kit.
• Expect travel delays, as Mercury is the Patron of travelers. Leave early.
• Reconnect with your heritage and fellowship with friends and family.
• Release old grudges and anger by practicing self-forgiveness.
• Back up all your digital data and secure passwords.
• Repair what is broken and take baby steps.
• Practice patience, gratitude, and flexibility during this time. 

DON'T
• Purchase new electronics, vehicles, or relocate.
• Sign contracts, leases, legal documents, or make life-altering decisions.
• Jump to conclusions. Utilize patience while investigating.
• Try to revive and old flame or begin a new romance.
• Start new projects, a business, or make agreements.
• Leave late for appointments, travel, or give promises you can't keep.
• Share unreliable information or travel without a backup plan.
• Submit any work without proof-reading first.
• Be overly critical, complain, give unauthentically, or too rigid.
• Blame others for our problems or take reckless actions. 

Saturn stations retrograde in Aries midafternoon and will backstep over these specific degrees until December 2026: 14°-07°. 

Note: August 25 thru September 11 are pertinent dates to mark on your calendar because Saturn backs into Aries’ 13°, considered one of Aries’ degrees according to the Degree Theory.

This Arian degree relates to Mars, Aries’ ruling planet, and enhances our courage to express our personal goals and take the initiative to make a decision. 

Saturn retrograde is an opportunity to review choices we’ve made and the potential to course-correct if that choice isn’t productively panning out.

This is why I never view retrograde planets as detrimental. To me they’re an opportunity to slow down, review, and reset. 

Saturn initially entered its Arian fall in May 2024, joining dreamy Neptune in this fiery sign, activating a paradox of boundary initiatives by Saturn countered by Neptunian dissolutions, creating a cultural shift of the collective as well as in our personal lives. 

Saturn’s previous retrograde in Aries started July 2025 and stepped back into Pisces September thru November 2025. 

Saturn’s final entry into Aries was February 2026; therefore, this retrograde will remain in Aries until stationing direct December 10th, 2026. 

Saturn is the lord of karma, time, and taskmaster teacher you dreaded in school; however, realized through maturity the value of those hard lessons. A lesson from Saturn is one not soon (if ever) forgotten. Whatever Saturn rules, it’s ruled with limitations, boundaries, commitment, regulations, and hard work. 

When direct, Saturn in Aries can be compared to negotiations between a wise elder contemplating various outcomes in order to select the best (Saturn), and a youth impatiently wanting what they want now regardless of consequence (Aries). 

Therefore, if you’re an Aries with Saturn in Aries, it becomes a question of building something lasting vs a fleeting experience.

If you heed Saturn’s guidance and respect their boundaries, your natural drive and self-reliance receive an energetic boost, enabling you to achieve great accomplishments. While there may be disruptions and delays (Saturnian lesson in acceptance and patience), professions and financial resources will always be available to the resilient if viewed not as endings but new beginnings.  

While we may feel unnerved by the instability of change this transit often brings, allowing ourselves to experience them benefits us. 

But what about retrograde? Re-evaluation through introspection.

Something important to realize about Saturn’s limitations is that it’s not attempting to deny or prevent us from reaching our goals. Its task is to ensure that we “earn” whatever we desire through dedication despite delay, commitment regardless of struggle, persistent patience and hard work any fear and anxiety we may experience. 

As the teacher, Saturn’s message is clear: “You must earn what you desire.” We must be willing to accept responsibility and even self-imposed limitations as a means to a positive end. Thus, the old adage, “The greater the struggle the greater the reward.” 

Overcoming significant challenges results in a greater sense of accomplishment and self-satisfaction. We’ve all experienced a more rewarding achievement through difficulties than those easily attained. 

This retrograde occurs in the Aries’ second decan, doubly ruled by the Sun, enabling us to discover within ourselves qualities relating to the Sun: Christ consciousness, sovereignty & power with the ability to manifest our own reality. 

Austin Coppock refers to this face as “The Crown” and notes “the focal point of this decan is the world which emanates from an individual.” 

The tarot card associated with this decan is the Three of Wands, known as “Virtue” in Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot, which T. Susan Chang notes is “a portrait of responsibility. . .if one acts in good faith, one can hope that faith will be returned and reciprocated.” 

Avoid a self-serving attitude so associated with Aries’ “Me First”, or you may find yourself surrounded by others who don’t have your best interest at heart, simply relaying what you want to hear.  This can cause future disappointments if we seek counsel from such a caliber of person.

This back-step through Aries will work in our favor by slowing the pace down and limiting new experiences. After all, we are going backward, not forward, per se. But even backward is forward in planetary means.  

Saturn backpedaling through Aries heralds a time of introversion, self-reflection, and re-evaluation of recent challenges we’ve had to face regarding our choices and methods of achieving our goals. It can be a somewhat difficult period; however, will prove rewarding when we embrace the journey by navigating the limitations and obstacles we face. 

Challenges may involve our identity, leadership ability, or willingness to take the initiative. If we want what we want, then we are provided no choice but to endure the fire of the kiln that hardens us, transforming pliable clay into beautiful pieces that are fully functional. 

Solid Questions to Contemplate: 

• Am I certain this is what I really want?
- It’s okay to discover along the path that this isn’t what we want. As long as it’s not because the work is too hard or challenges too frustrating. 

• Was there something I wanted to do but was to afraid to take action?
- Fear of failure can prevent us from taking forward steps. Conversely, so can the fear of success, because with it comes responsibility. 

• Am I willing to accept the responsibility for this choice?
- The “blame game” never fares well for the future, or the present. 

• Am I willing to do what it takes to achieve what I want?
- If yes, it will prove the most difficult and yet highly rewarding accomplishment to date.
- If no, then you’re not ready. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be in the future, so don’t allow regret to creep in and prevent you from trying again. 

What is meant for us can never pass us by. It will keep calling our name. Take this time to decide and plan your next steps when this taskmaster stations direct in Pisces this November. 

Even more so when it permanently re-enters Aries for the final time in this cycle. 

Rumi put it best, “The moment you accept what troubles have been given, the door will open.”

Are you ready to accept the Saturnian challenges? 

💫

Each generation out of relative obscurity must discover its mission, fulfill or betray it. ~ Franz Fanon, Revolutionary writer and psychologist 

NEPTUNE IN ARIES

Neptune originally entered Aries March 2025, and after a retrograde (returning it to Pisces), reentered Aries for the final time this past January; therefore, it permanently remains in Aries until 2039, including this current retrograde until December 2026.

The Neptune ingress into Aries was the second step readying us for a new paradigm shift, following Pluto's ingress into Aquarius. Now that Uranus has entered Gemini, all the transcendental planets are rooted in new zodiac signs, completing the shift. 

TRANSCENDENTAL PLANETS

When a transcendental planet enters a new sign, it leaves an imprint on an entire generation. Each generation is measured as the space between reproductive cycles and children (roughly 35 years). 

In astrology, the difference is measured by five signs, a quincunx or inconjunct (coming of age "aspect" @ 150°). Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto all take between 84 (Uranus) - 248 (Pluto) years for one cycle of the zodiac; therefore, these three planets are considered transcendental, or generational. 

The remaining outer planets are Jupiter and Saturn, which take 12 - 30 years to cycle the zodiac. While all planets beyond the asteroid belt are considered "outer", only the three aforementioned are transcendental. These two outer planets experienced new transits as well: Saturn entered Aries, and Jupiter entered Leo last month. 

When just one of these five aforementioned planets changes signs, it’s felt collectively. But to have all five entering new signs in such a close proximity to one another can be considered unprecedented in modern history. 

NEPTUNE IN ARIES

Neptune in Aries combines a dreamy nature with vibrant action. Aries activates us to demonstrate our spiritual and imaginative traits through bold and assertive behaviors.  This transit serves as a journey toward self-understanding and spiritual enlightenment which strengthens personal identity and life purpose. 

This shapes personal development and goal achievement throughout the next 14 years, creating a distinctive combination of vigor and inner reflection that has the ability to direct us to our future goals.

Neptune entering Aries is also akin to inching through a foggy moorland to suddenly emerge under brilliant sunlight. Damp from the cold skin of fog, our own warms and begins to sizzle. The dream of a clear path becomes reality before our eyes. 

This transit isn't about daydreaming but day-doing. It's not about self-pity or frustrations, but courage and commitment to accomplishment. 

And yet, these elements can balance one another beautifully: Fiery Passion & Deep Tranquility. 

Utilize caution in regard to over-ambition or you could overlook pertinent details. Exercise patience but not indolence. Be ambitious but not foolish. Fuel the pioneering spirit carefully with intuition. 

With Neptune, you have to ensure that the guidance you're receiving is your own and not absorbed from an outer influence. Reality and delusion are polarized here and swinging too far to one side has its consequences.

And why would you do that when you can reconcile them so easily by retreating into yourself to discover your own intuitive voice and guidance. Just don't stay there.  

Why would you? You have a generational imprint to leave behind in the form of history. 

NEPTUNE RETROGRADE IN ARIES

Neptune stations retrograde early Tuesday morning @ 6:55 AM, in the 9th house (Placidus), the natural home of Sagittarius ruled by the Great Benefic Jupiter. As radically aspiring, particularly intellectually, this realm may be in forward motion, retrograde paints a different story. 

Take all of the above discussed themes of Neptune in Aries and slow them down for review. As we step back over the very degrees that presented themselves during Neptune's forward motion (0°- 04°) and apply the degrees this retrograde will re-visit: 01°-04°. 

How this retrograde affects us individually depends largely on our natal aspects; however, as a collective, we can expect to encounter a heightened sensitivity. If we have a challenging aspect, such as a square or opposition to Neptune in our natal chart, we can also expect challenges yet opportunity to the degree of that aspect/s. 

This retrograde can force us to face the reality of any illusion we may be under. While that may sound unpleasant, it's actually a blessing. If someone is jerking our chain, wouldn't we want to know? That's a great question because when it comes to Neptune, it's either the spiritual or the escapist urge; therefore, we are going to see things as they are or choose to see what we want. 

In other words, during this retrograde, we are only going to see and hear what we CHOOSE to see and hear? Remember, this planet is in its dignity whether direct or retrograde, which means we are empowered to control our circumstances—that includes what we choose to experience. 

This is why Neptune retrograde is so often referred to as the "Reality Check". Sometimes that check can be a harsh wakeup call for many people. 

On the flipside, there are also some who may be under-idealizing their goals or dreams to the point of abandoning them! Now is a perfect opportunity to evaluate how we may be fooling ourselves or others: be it by over or under idealizing. 

Take some time and sit with yourself to gauge where you are on the spectrum of your dreams and goals. If you realize you're over or under-idealizing, this is a great time to build a bridge from where you are now to where you truly want to be. 

We can say who or what we are; however, if our actions are not aligning with our words, then it's pretty much guaranteed that we're not on a balanced spectrum and are either over or under-idealizing a situation or person. 

Time to remove the rose-colored glasses and see things for what they are. 

NEPTUNE IN ARIES HISTORY

From a historical perspective the discovery, naming, and recognition of planetary bodies in outer space have coincided with leaps in the evolution of human consciousness and corresponding cultural changes. 

For example, just before and after the discovery of the first transcendental planet, Uranus, in 1781, humanity witnessed the American and French Revolutions. 

When Neptune, planet of mysticism and illusion, was discovered in 1846, idealist movements such as transcendentalism and spiritualism emerged. In 1930, with the sighting of Pluto, planet of mass transformation, the awakening of a sense of collective welfare and the dawning of the Atomic Age brought humanity face-to-face with a choice of life or death. 

The discovery of each new outer body indicated that humanity was ready to activate and integrate the archetypal principle inherent in the mythology of that planet.

Neptune has been in Aries six times since 1000 A.D. While many significant events before the 1800's occurred, I'm only going to focus on the last due to time and length: 

Neptune was in Aries between 1861 to 1875. The following events occurred during this time: 

• The American Civil War symbolizing themes of freedom and new beginnings. 

• Native American wars and the development and forced occupation of reservations.

• Emancipation Proclamation that freed enslaved people.

• The 14th Amendment to the Constitution is ratified, granting citizenship to 

 all persons born or naturalized in the U.S.

• Passage of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery. 

• Ratification of the 15th Amendment, granting suffrage to African American men.

• Wyoming & Utah grant unrestricted suffrage to women

• Michigan and Minnesota grant women suffrage rights for school elections.

In reviewing the above we can determine some themes of Neptune (including retrograde) in Aries:

• Upheaval: Political, spiritual, and philosophical change

• Visionary advances: Freedom and equality

• Innovation: Forward movement 

Comparing the above to the current political, spiritual, and philosophical climate here in the US, it's not difficult to see how this pattern is repeating. 

💫

Pluto stationed Rx in Aquarius May 06 @ 6:08 PM, EDT, in the 4th. 

This is a realm of endings and security signifying our heritage, heredity, and ancestry. Pluto dives deep into all that is secluded and ending, including the final years of life, closure of all matters, our subjective self and the foundation upon which we build our character. 

RETROGRADE STATION

Pluto stations Rx once a year, lasting around five months. This cycle will end October 15th, 2026, in Aquarius; therefore, this Rx isn't out of the ordinary, except that it's the fourth retrograde in Aquarius since 2023 and involved a dance with Capricorn. 

AQUARIUS

Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, freshly moved into Gemini, and makes its home in the 11th, realm of group relations and social consciousness. Therefore, this retrograde isn't just about personal relationships but a wider range of groups, organizations, and clubs we may belong to.  

Aquarius is the visionary of the zodiac with an ever-expanding intellect and imagination. Independence and individualistic freedom of expression are vital for it to thrive. This Air element ranges from artistic to scientific upon a humanely altruistic foundation.  

PLUTO

Pluto is known as the harbinger of destruction and is all about transformation and reformation.  A Plutonian retrograde is typically a time of inner reflection and re-evaluation of our relationships, particularly our family, friends, and associates, and the power-struggles we may experience with them. 

Stationing in the fourth house provides an ample setting for this station, particularly in matters of domestics: Relationships, family, homes, etc. 

PLUTO RETROGRADE IN AQUARIUS

As previously mentioned, this station encompasses personal relationships and those at large (groups, organizations, etc.). 

Evaluating our relation/memberships should include ask ourselves how we feel in the presence of each one. Do we feel controlled? Manipulated? Unable to be our authentic self or express our feelings without fear of repercussions? 

If we experience any of the above, Pluto Rx is here to unearth the truth and provide the power we need to break the cycle of fear in order to be free. 

The tool of preference is distance vs engaging in any power-struggle. If those whom we feel have dominated, manipulated, or controlled us cannot be reasoned with, or respect our boundaries, then it's time to distance gracefully from them. If someone pressures us for creating distance, they are operating out of their own insecurity and fear of potential loss. 

We are not here to change anyone's mind or behavior; we are only here to improve ourselves. Whatever action we decide to take should always be for our greatest good which serves the greater good of the whole. 

If those whom we wish to distance from are immediate family or close "friends", then distancing may not be possible. We can, however, set boundaries and ignore any passive-aggressive, manipulative, and/or controlling behavior they may attempt. Even if it's walking to another room and closing the door. Or walking outside and around the block to create space.

We teach others how to treat us by what we accept. Pluto is here to add power to the dissolution and/or reformation of our relationships. 

But this five-month Rx trek isn't just about our relationships with others; it's also about the relationship with ourselves. 

We should ask the same questions of ourselves as we asked of our relationships: Are we operating out of fear or love? Do we find ourselves trying to control the behavior of others? Do we catch ourselves being manipulative to get what we want? 

Or do we have secret habits that are taking us down the rabbit hole of destruction: addiction (drugs, alcohol, sex, food, etc.), hidden prejudice, secret judgments, etc. If so, it's the opportune time to evaluate avenues of rising above them.

This is not a time for power-struggles, or they will backfire by becoming cyclic and more destructive as time passes. It's a time to clean the slate of relationships that do not add to our quality of life, and habits that prevent us from obtaining the quality of life that we want and deserve. 

Some people and circumstances are here to teach us how to set boundaries and distance ourselves. Not all are here to transform into a positive experience that will remain in our life; however, once the change is made, we can move forward in a more positive light. 

Our goal should be is mastery over ourselves: our choices and behavior. None of us are born to subservient to another's power trip, including our own.   

💫✨